SCRIPTURE:
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” but how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)
MESSAGE:
Scripture is clear. People can’t be saved until someone tells them how. Let’s take a look at three ways the Bible tells us to engage the ministry of winning others to Jesus.
Like everything in God’s universe, it all begins with words. The Bible tells us that we should pray. Scripture provides at least three specific things we should pray for when we desire to see more followers of Christ. The first thing we should pray, is that Father God will draw people to Jesus. John 6:44 tells us that people cannot come unless the Father draws them. Secondly, we should pray for workers (Col 4:2-6) who will lovingly and with dedication share the Good News with those who have not yet come to know Jesus. Also, we should pray for empowerment to overcome fear, rejection, arguments, and more. (Acts 1:8)
The second way we share the Good News of Jesus Christ, is through demonstration. Before you can effectively tell others about Jesus, they need to see Him living through you. We demonstrate Christ-likeness in the way we live our lives. (Matt 5:13-20) Are you kind, compassionate, and loving? Do you live a life of integrity and righteousness? Do you have joy even in the midst of sorrow? If there is nothing outstanding about your life, why would others want what you have? Demonstration also involves the miraculous. Pray for people. Ask God to heal, provide, reconcile or whatever else they need. Often God will demonstrate His love by answering such prayers and through those answers draw people into His grace.
The third method is the direct approach – we preach! Don’t get worried. Preaching is not about eloquence or technique, it is simply proclaiming Jesus. Preaching is sharing what you already have experienced. Paul the Apostle made it very clear that the message of the Church is supposed to be very focused on preaching the Good News. (1Cor 1:17) We see through Peter’s preaching on the day of Pentecost that preaching is not to be timid, but spoken boldly. (Acts 2:28) Finally, we know that sharing our faith is not an option. If we are ashamed of Jesus and His message, He will be ashamed of us before His father. (Luke 9:26)
PRAYER:
Father, help us pray, present and preach the Good News of Jesus Christ every day for the benefit of lost souls around us. Help us present Your message in all meekness, gentleness and love. Soften our hearts to the people around us, and help us see the ones You are drawing so we can join You in Your work. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.